Sunrising Family Day Care in Baltimore: Small-Group Care for Infants and Toddlers

Sunrising Family Day Care is a state-licensed, home-based child care provider in Baltimore that serves infants and toddlers in a small-group setting, typically accommodating fewer than ten children at a time. This model sits between large commercial centers and informal care, offering the continuity of a consistent caregiver in a residential environment rather than a facility with rotating staff.

What Sunrising Family Day Care actually is

Family day care operates differently from center-based programs. A single licensed provider or small team runs the program from a home, which means children experience less transition between caregivers and often develop deeper relationships with their primary caregiver. Sunrising is licensed by the Maryland Office of Child Care Licensing, a requirement that includes background checks, health and safety inspections, training in CPR and first aid, and compliance with staff-to-child ratios set by the state. For infants under two, Maryland law requires one caregiver per four children; for ages two to three, one per six children. Home-based care typically allows more flexibility in scheduling and a less institutional daily rhythm than center care, though it also means no built-in backup if the provider is ill.

Services and pricing

Family day care typically charges weekly or monthly tuition. Most Baltimore providers in this category charge between $900 and $1,400 per week for infant care, depending on hours and any specialized services. Hours often run 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, with some providers offering part-time options or extended hours. Many family day care homes do not operate on a traditional school calendar, staying open year-round or closing only for major holidays. Verify current rates and hours directly, as pricing and availability shift seasonally.

Many providers accept subsidies through Maryland's child care assistance program, which can significantly reduce costs for qualifying families. Some also offer flexible payment arrangements. Ask about what meals and snacks are provided, whether diapers and supplies are included, and what happens during sick days or unexpected closures.

How family day care compares to other Baltimore options

Family day care fills a distinct niche. Large centers like Bright Horizons, Goddard School, or the University of Baltimore's on-site center offer extended hours, backup staff, and structured curriculum, but at higher cost ($1,200-$1,800 weekly for infants in many cases) and with less personalized attention. In-home nannies provide maximum flexibility and one-on-one care but cost more ($18-$25 per hour, often without benefits) and lack the regulatory oversight and peer interaction that group settings provide. Small family day care homes like Sunrising split the difference: lower cost than centers or nannies, regulated environment, small group size, and consistent caregiving without the logistical burden of hiring and managing a household employee.

Choose Sunrising or similar family day care if you value personal relationships, smaller groups, and home-like routines. Choose a large center if you need extended hours, multiple backup staff, or structured programming. Choose a nanny if you need maximum scheduling flexibility or have specific cultural or language needs.

Who Sunrising suits and who it does not

Family day care works well for parents who prefer a home environment, can work a standard weekday schedule, and want their child to build a stable relationship with one primary caregiver. It suits families whose infants or toddlers do well in small groups and thrive on routine. It does not suit parents who need evening or weekend care regularly, who want on-site programming like music or language classes, or whose child benefits from the social intensity of a larger peer group. Parents with multiple children may find that some family day care homes offer sibling discounts.

What the first visit involves

Contact the provider directly to confirm enrollment availability and discuss your child's needs, your schedule, and any concerns like dietary restrictions or developmental considerations. Most providers invite a tour and an informal interview. Expect to complete an enrollment form, provide emergency contacts, proof of child's vaccinations, and sign a contract outlining payment terms, hours, sick policies, and cancellation procedures. Some providers require a non-refundable deposit to hold a spot. Ask about the provider's training and experience, how they handle behavior and discipline, and what their policy is for parental communication during the day.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Family day care operates from a residential address, so parking is usually street-level or in a driveway. Confirm drop-off and pick-up procedures, which may be less formal than at a center but should still follow a consistent routine. Ask whether the provider takes children on outings and whether your child will need to be transported in a car seat you provide. Standard hours run 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., though some providers accommodate earlier drop-offs or later pick-ups; confirm what times align with your schedule. Most close on major holidays and may close for a week or two annually, so clarify the closure calendar when enrolling.

Sunrising Family Day Care represents a practical middle ground for Baltimore families seeking attentive, affordable infant and toddler care without the overhead of center operations or the complexity of private hire.